Sciatica is pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. It happens when the nerve is irritated or compressed, often by a disc in the lower back. The pain can feel like an ache, a burning or electric shock, and may come with tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg.
Most sciatica improves with time and the right treatment. Physiotherapy helps ease the pain, keep you moving and reduce the chance of it coming back.
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- Pain spreading from the lower back down one leg
- Exercises for the back and nerve, and advice on positions
- Spinal traction and other therapies where suitable
- Doctor on site for medicine or scans if needed
- Slipped or bulging disc
- Wear-and-tear changes in the discs
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
- Injury to the lower back
- Pain from the back or buttock down the leg
- Tingling, numbness or burning in the leg or foot
- Worse with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
- Difficulty getting up from a chair or bed
- Changes in how you walk
How physiotherapy helps
- Assessment: We check your back, nerves, strength and sensation, and screen for warning signs.
- Settle the pain: Positions and movements that ease leg pain, plus heat or cold.
- Treatment: Hands-on treatment, nerve mobility exercises, and spinal traction where suitable.
- Strengthen: Core and back exercises, and advice on sitting, lifting and work set-up.
Our doctor is on site and can prescribe pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicine, arrange scans, or discuss an injection if it is needed.
- numbness around the groin or buttocks
- new difficulty passing urine or controlling your bladder or bowels
- weakness in both legs, or a foot that is getting weaker
Book physiotherapy for sciatica
One-to-one sessions with our AHPC-registered physiotherapist at 79 Serangoon Garden Way, from $200 for 45 minutes. Home physiotherapy also available.
Frequently asked questions
How long does sciatica last?
Many people improve within 6 to 12 weeks. Physiotherapy can help speed up recovery and keep you active.
Do I need an MRI?
Most people do not need one at first. Our doctor may arrange a scan if symptoms are severe, not improving or there are warning signs.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can book physiotherapy directly. If you need medical review, our doctor is on site.
Prefer us to call you?
Leave your details and our team will contact you within one working day.
Information reviewed by our physiotherapy team at Ashford Medical Centre. This page is general information and is not a substitute for a personal assessment.
